By Noko Mashilo
The owner of Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a silver medal at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition held last week. In an interview with Vutivi News, Loyiso Manga expressed his delight, describing the award as an incredible achievement that brought immense joy and satisfaction.
“This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication poured into crafting our premium, first cold-pressed olive oil, which can be found on Woolworths’ shelves nationwide, but it also affirms our journey,” said Manga, who was honoured for the first time under his brand in the competition. He further explained the significance of the award, describing it as a major accomplishment for producers across the country.
“This is where top-tier olive oil brands from Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand come to have their oils assessed by world-renowned industry experts,” Manga added. Reflecting on the achievement, he emphasised the pride that this honour brought to his brand. “Considering we started in a garage in 2019, and within two years we entered prestigious retail outlets and became one of the top-selling brands, this accolade is truly humbling,” he said.
Manga highlighted the unique qualities of his premium olive oil, describing it as a well-balanced medium blend with flavours of dried tomatoes and artichokes. “It offers numerous health benefits, including reducing high blood pressure, managing diabetes and preventing strokes, making it ideal for those committed to a healthy lifestyle. Of course, it’s also perfect for cooking,” he noted.
Manga told Vutivi News that his journey had not been without its challenges, particularly regarding funding. “In 2023 and 2024, we faced a nine-month closure due to a shortage of olive oil in the country caused by global warming. Farmers who typically harvested 50,000 litres were only able to produce 10,000 litres. The harvest was severely impacted,” he explained.
As a result of this crisis, Manga’s business was unable to fulfill its commitments. “We lost approximately R800,000 worth of purchase orders from Woolworths. It was a significant setback, and while we are recovering slowly, it’s been difficult. “Banks are hesitant to fund businesses that haven’t been active in the last six months,” he said, adding that he was seeking investment to help the business rebound.
Looking ahead, Manga’s vision is to have the first black-owned olive oil-producing farm in southern Africa. “We aim to expand into the SADC region and begin exporting,” he said. Manga was currently in discussions with the Eastern Cape Development Agency, which was interested in being part of the Ubuntu journey. When asked what he loved most about olive oil, Manga proudly stated: “It’s a premium product that adds value to the community. It’s proudly South African, and as we say, ‘local is lekker’.’”
